I've had a great week wandering around Wellington. I've picked up a couple of weather-appropriate, locally made garments including a skirt by Chalkydigits and a merino sweater from Untouched World. On the one hand it's completely blown the budget, on the other hand I'm really quite in love with both purchases so I think that makes it ok. The sweater is thin enough that I can wear it in the full sun and not have to wear sun screen (which I typically react to). And the skirt is reversible...and who doesn't love a reversible skirt!?

Next up is figuring out the train down to the south island. I've checked and they have power outlets on board. So I can make myself a portable office as I head down to Christchurch and then across to Greymouth. If I get a seven day rail pass I can do both the Alpine and the Coastal routes and have three non-travel days. The question is: which days should I be stationary and in what towns? Apparently the National Park at Arthur's Pass is worthy of a day trip too.